Operation Safe Passage Enforces School Zone Laws

GRAND TERRACE>> Last week, 168 citations were issued, 11 vehicles were towed and 7 arrests were made to drivers in violation of vehicle codes in Grand Terrace school zones during the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department project called Operation Safe Passage. Operation Safe Passage is a project in Grand Terrace designed to educate parents, staff and students regarding California Vehicle Codes in school zones and help protect children as they travel to and from school. The first component of the program included the Sheriff’s Central Station School Resource Officer, station personnel and school district employees handing out more than 500 copies of safety handouts with information in front of Grand Terrace schools. The informational tri-fold was also included online so parents and guardians could read more about the project. The second component of the program was the enforcement period in which deputies issued citations for school zone law violations at the various schools in the City of Grand Terrace. Fines for violations ranged from $18.50 to $400. Deputy Frank Navarro of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s station said the enforcement period progressed well. “This year we added a different approach to it,” Navarro said. “We collaborated with the school district and they helped with the education component of the program to be sure that we educated as many parents, grandparents and guardians that were bringing kids to and from school, and also educated the students about being safe and following the vehicle codes around the school zones.” Navarro said the district brought out what they called ‘Sprinkle of Happiness,’ in which various signs were posted encouraging parents to be conscience and aware of the students coming to and from school and making sure they kept safety in mind, first and foremost. This year marks the third year that the project has taken place and began after many residents complained to the City Manager’s office. Navarro said compared to last year, there will probably be fewer tickets issued this year, which could be attributed to parents receiving information this year and following up with it. Although Operation Safe Passage concluded Sept. 16, Navarro said he encourages all parents, grandparents and guardians to continue to be vigilant when taking their kids to school. “We understand that everybody has a busy schedule and that everybody has things to do,” Navarro said. “But at the end of the day, it’s the safety of the kids that is first and foremost the important thing. The laws are there for a reason and the laws are there to protect those students, drivers and the people that are in and about the school zone areas. Just be vigilant and be sure to continue to pay attention.” Navarro advises those dropping off students to take that extra second to park in the right place, be sure you are not parking in areas you should not be parking in, do not allow the student to get out of the car in the middle of the street and do not drop them off in an area that puts their safety at risk. According to the informational brochure, the mission of the project is to provide collaborative law enforcement solutions that meet the needs of communities and parents by delivering quality professional services to America’s largest county. Some of the school zone laws, which are included in the brochure, include the basic speed law of 25 mph, information about prohibited stopping or parking in certain areas, pedestrian crossing, bus loading zones and the law that states anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet to operate a bicycle. Anyone with questions can contact the Sheriff Department’s office at (909)387-3545. The office is located at 655 E. 3rd Street in San Bernardino, California and is open Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.